Pittsburg, Calif. Native keeps the Navy’s newest, most advanced helicopters flying

Navy Office of Community Outreach

(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2014 Siatech High School graduate and Pittsburg, California native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.

Airman James Johnson is an aviation maintenance administrationman with the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46, a Mayport, Florida based squadron that operates the Navy’s next generation submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk. Each helicopter is nearly 65 feet long, may weigh up to 23,500 lbs. (max gross) and can travel over 120 miles per hour for nearly 320 miles on a tank of gas.

As an aviation maintenance administrationman, Johnson is responsible for the upkeep of aircraft log books and aircraft components.

“I like the fact that I have the knowledge and tools that coincide with my organizational skills,” said Johnson.

According to Navy officials, the MH-60R is the most capable multi-mission helicopter available in the world today. It is used for a variety of missions, including hunting and tracking enemy submarines, attacking enemy ships, search and rescue, drug interdiction, delivering supplies and supporting the Navy’s special operations forces.

It is replacing the Navy’s older helicopters because of its greater versatility and more advanced weapon systems.

Johnson said he and other HSM-46 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.

“HSM-46 has a very friendly, family type atmosphere,” said Johnson. “We take care of one another here.”

Sailors’ jobs are highly varied within the squadron. Approximately 270 Navy men and women are assigned and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly.  This includes everything from maintaining helicopter airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weapons and flying the aircraft.

“The mission of HSM-46 is to embark and deploy combat-ready helicopter detachments around the world. Johnson is a big part of why we are so successful. He has a tireless work ethic, and embodies our squadron motto of ‘Set the Standard.’ I’m very proud of Johnson,” commented Commander Chris Richard, HSM-46 Commanding Officer.

Serving in the Navy, Johnson said he is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities. 

“The Navy has improved both my communication and leadership skills that not only will help me succeed professionally, but personally as well,” added Johnson.